Review by Jeger on June 2, 2025.

Is Cradle Of Filth a Black Metal band? The answer is no, even considering their first two albums: The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh and Dusk And Her Embrace that are renowned by foolish enthusiasts who believe that these two records are seminal Second Wave BM recordings. They both just sound like Cradle Of Filth - an Extreme Gothic Metal band. Anyway, Cradle is just one of those bands that transcend the typicality of genre categorization. To label them as a Black Metal band simply does the band no justice! Aside from their first two albums, Cradle Of Filth are best known for 2004's Nymphetamine, 2006's Thornography and 2015's Hammer Of The Witches. Their discography is a vast one that consists of 16 LPs with their latest album, The Screaming Of The Valkyries atop the totem. It was released on March 21 via Napalm Records.

Every one of Cradle Of Filth's albums are feasts - shameless, gluttonous and debauched volumes of Extreme Metal that thematically span concepts pertaining to erotica, vampirism, literature/poetry and various forms of mysticism and philosophy. Not always everyone's cup of tea, especially the aforementioned Thornography - one of Extreme Metal's most polarizing releases. I happen to think that it's their best album… Geared towards the mainstream? You could say that. One thing is for certain, and that is the fact that Cradle has not ventured down the same road since. The Screaming Of The Valkyries is no exception, or is it? Tracks like "Demogoguery" and "Non Omnis Moriar" - compositionally redolent to the temped nature of "Thornography" and equally as catchy. Others like "The Trinity Of Shadows" and "White Hellebore" are of a swifter variety, as they unfold to thrashy riffs and captivate with memorable, anthemic choruses. Textbook Cradle Of Filth so far; everything we've come to appreciate over the years.

This is great stuff… Everything from the solos to the choruses just sweat a classic sort of perspiration. Like it heavy? "Ex Sanguine Draculae" pulsates with blackened tremolos, thunderous rhythms and dense-as-fuck riffs. And production quality is just perfect; mixed to a Master's standard and toned for clarity. Definitely one of this band's most haunting records. Much to appreciate, very little, if nothing at all to admonish. As always, a grande and epic affair. Cradle Of Filth fans have undoubtedly been creaming their black lace silkies over this one. Not knocking back brews, but debauching Merlot from a box to it like a Vampire lush. Literally every enchanting element of their style to imbibe here. Drink it up! Savor the night and rejoice. Cradle Of Filth, despite all of their mixed reviews from dickish critics, continue to please and offer up the very best Gothic Metal you could ask for. It's Thornography meets Hammer Of The Witches in this, one of Cradle Of Filth's greatest feats.

Despite their being tested by time and countless shifts in the industry, Cradle just never gets old! Behold the majesty of midnight castles forlorn and heed the allure of the Vampire's call. Indulge yourself in the richness of real Goth culture and tantalize your mind with timeless stories of the night. The time for reveling in nightly things is once again upon us! 16 albums… What an achievement, what an experience. With The Screaming Of The Valkyries, Cradle Of Filth simply remind us all of who they are - the cream of the Gothic Metal scene and the most talented as well. Enjoy.

Rating: 9.3 out of 10